OEM Computer Specialist

Role Purpose

The OEM Computer Specialist is the technical visionary responsible for the "compute backbone" of Thermo Fisher's instrumentation portfolio. This role bridges the gap between scientific instrument design and the rapid release cycles of Tier-1 hardware (Dell, HP), silicon (NVIDIA, Intel), and software (Microsoft) partners.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Harmonization & Governance

• Drive the harmonization of computer and OS architectures across disparate Thermo Fisher divisions to leverage enterprise-scale buying power and simplify global support.
• Negotiate requirements between specialized scientific groups, Tier-1 hardware vendors (Dell/HP), and external integrators to ensure a consistent, branded, and high-performance product.
• Harmonize mismatched product lifecycles across the enterprise by coordinating "Last Time Buy" programs and multi-year supply strategies for shared hardware components.
• Consolidate to a single quality management framework for computer systems validation (CSV), reducing redundant documentation efforts across divisions while maintaining rigorous FDA 21 CFR Part 11 standards.
• Help create a unified framework for "Golden Images" and hardware builds that allows different instrument groups to share core components while maintaining the ability to specialize where scientifically necessary.

Strategic Lifecycle & Roadmap Management

• Synchronize the 10-year lifecycle of scientific instruments with the 18-36 month refresh cycles of Tier-1 vendors. Secure "Extended Lifecycle" (XE/XL) hardware to prevent premature obsolescence.
• Act as the primary technical interface for Dell OEM Solutions, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, influencing their future roadmaps to meet the specific power, thermal, and stability needs of lab environments.

Regulatory Compliance & Validation

• Architect and maintain "Locked Configurations" for OS and hardware (e.g., Windows 10/11 IoT Enterprise LTSC) to ensure a stable, reproducible environment required for Installation (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ), FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and GxP compliance.
• Negotiate cybersecurity requirements to protect instruments from network threats while ensuring the OS is not so "locked down" that Field Service Engineers (FSEs) cannot perform diagnostics or local repairs.
• Conduct Validation Risk Assessments (RA) for any proposed computer hardware changes, ensuring that technology refreshes do not compromise the instrument's validated state.

Integrator & Operations Management

• Direct third-party Computer Integrators (e.g., Unicom, Avnet, MBX) on custom hardware builds, including custom BIOS settings, branding/labeling, and specialized shock-resistant packaging.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for external Computer Integrators. Oversee the conversion of standard Tier-1 (Dell/HP) hardware into "Thermo Fisher Branded" appliances through custom imaging, BIOS configuration, and hardware hardening.
• Specify and validate mechanical customizations, including custom labeling, specialized packaging, and unique physical security features.
• Manage the delivery and maintenance of golden images (Windows LTSC/Linux) to the integrator. Ensure the deployment of "Locked" OS environments that disable non-essential services to guarantee instrument stability and security.
• Manage "Long-Term Stocking" programs and "Last-Time-Buy" (LTB) events with the integrator to bridge gaps between Dell/NVIDIA hardware EOL dates and the end-of-support dates for Thermo Fisher instruments.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or greater in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years in systems architecture, specifically within an OEM integration or industrial computing context.
• Deep understanding of computer hardware fundamentals (CPU, RAM, data logic).
• Strong knowledge of Dell/HP OEM portfolios and NVIDIA GPU architectures.
• Expertise in Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC and Linux hardening.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical problem-solving, and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong understanding of Enterprise Architecture (EA) governance principles and their application in industrial/scientific environments.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate technical requirements across competing internal departments (Quality, Cybersecurity, Engineering, and Field Service).
• Familiarity with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools and their impact on high-performance computing environments.
• Develop the detailed "Build-to-Order" (BTO) documentation for the integrator, defining everything from drive partitioning to the exact torque specs for custom mounting brackets.
• Participate in technical audits of the integrator's facilities to ensure their production lines meet the quality standards required for medical device and life science instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in field service or technical support to provide "empathy-driven design" for the serviceability of the system.
• Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders in a highly matrixed global organization.
• Act as the final arbiter when "Security Requirements" conflict with "Instrument Performance".